Experts warn that there is unlikely to be a repeat of the £30bn buying splurge
achieved two years ago

Aircraft manufacturers are playing down expectations of another order bonanza as the week-long Farnborough International Airshow gets under way on Monday amid disappointment over the F-35 fighter’s failure to take off and a spat between Britain and the Kremlin.

Although, Airbus and Boeing have a series of orders in the final stages of contract negotiations, experts have warned that there is unlikely to be a repeat of the $53bn (£31bn) buying splurge achieved two years ago.

The two big commercial manufacturers have bulging order books and little capacity to boost production although suppliers are under more pressure to improve deliveries and performance.

Airbus is setting new standards for its top suppliers in an effort to remove bottlenecks in the production process.

Nervousness among airlines about capacity, fuel prices and the impact of terrorist threats on flying are contributing to the uncertainty about orders.

Both Airbus and Boeing will launch new versions of existing product lines rather than providing guidance on any major new aircraft.

Airbus is in search of buyers for its A320 short-range plane with a new engine while Boeing is offering a more powerful and comfortable long-distance 777 and has a number of deals pending with leasing companies.

The European manufacturer would like to confirm that Air India is willing to order 200 narrow-bodied planes for $20bn (£11.6bn) and is offering the ultimate in executive jets, a plane with the biggest and tallest cabin of any business plane, complete with lounge areas and ensuite bathrooms.

The rival plane-makers will also be closely watching the outcome of a meeting of ministers from Airbus countries at Farnborough this morning where the issue of state support for the airlines, under examination by world trade authorities, is high on the agenda.

Michael Fallon, the Business Minister, will provide an update after the meeting.

Engine manufacturers are ready to roll out a series of orders. CFM, the Safran and GE company, is anticipating another record year for orders but Rolls-Royce is keeping a lower profile.

CFM has picked up orders for more than 2,000 engines so far this year, helped by the new “Leap” engine. Orders from American Airlines alone for 100 A320s with the new engine are worth $2.6bn.

BAE Systems is expected to announce it has overcome funding problems that delayed the introduction of more sophisticated radar in the Typhoon fighter. The company may also reveal more details on the unmanned Taranis drone, which has impressed during test flights.

However, it appears that the F-35 fighter won’t be making its UK flight debut at the show after failing to gain US Department of Defence clearance following an engine blowout incident.

The much-anticipated aircraft failed to make an appearance at the naming of Britain’s latest aircraft carrier and also missed the Royal International Air Tattoo on Friday.

The plane has been grounded after what was described as a massive engine failure last month.

The Government has also tried to limit the Russian presence at the show, creating problems for the organisers.

Visas for all but five of the 75-strong Russian delegation have been blocked in a blow to Moscow’s efforts to market its defence industry overseas and procure state-of-the-art equipment.

Russia has responded by cancelling a flight demonstration by assault helicopters scheduled on Monday and said Britain would lose valuable business from the cancellation of talks on military and technical co-operation.